Introduction

This volume of the Handbook of Clinical Neurology deals with neurologic disorders of sex and bladder. Sexuality is for the large majority of humans a component of a fulfilled life, even though it is not "vital" in the usual sense of the word. However, dysfunctions of the lower urinary tract (LUT) are vital, as they may lead to chronic infection, dilatation of the upper urinary tract, renal insufficiency, and death. Sexual disorders and LUT are often mentioned in ancient literature, but most contemporary methods of diagnosis and treatment were only introduced in the 20th century. Despite the relatively high prevalence of these disorders, most physicians are ill prepared to discuss them with their patients, let alone to diagnose and treat them. It is the aim of this volume of the Handbook to try to reverse this attitude and convince neurologists that sexual and LUT function need to be addressed in their patients, for reasons of correct diagnosis and possible therapeutic consequences, as well as gaining overall trust from the patient.